The perfect mix of sea-sides and cities, the Quest to London kicks off in Barcelona, skirting the Mediterranean Sea before heading up through the middle of Italy and on to Eastern Europe, winding up in London after a perfectly balanced adventure.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Barcelona to Nice

Good morning travellers, rise and shine! Meet up with your Trip Manager this morning and your new Contiki Squad today as we say farewell to the home of Gaudi, sangria and year-round sunshine! Unwind on the coach, listen to some music and chill with the squad as you take in the rustic beauty of Provence, known for its pretty landscapes of lavender, sunflowers and wild herbs. Then we hit the rugged coast line of the stunning Côte d’Azur. Follow the beautiful sapphire waters past the movie-star glamour of Cannes (famous for its annual film festival), to the palm trees and sun-soaked shores of Nice.

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Day 2: Nice incl French Riviera and Monaco

Missing an opportunity to see this part of the world up close and personal would be criminal. Speaking of things you shouldn't miss, this region is famous for lavender honey, aioli & rosé wine; all 3 in one meal should be your mission.Fragonard Perfumery in the French Riviera, now there's a place to check out! And stock up on perfume, obviously. Especially given the greatly discounted prices and authenticity of buying in France.Please tell us you didn't throw away all of your pennies on perfume today? Because you're going to want a few spare coins tonight so you can play fancy. We're visiting the Monte Carlo Casino & the Royal Palace in Monaco. After a night on the blackjack table it's back to the coast and to bed, the next part of the adventure starts tomorrow.

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Day 3: Nice to Cinque Terre

Having exhausted all our hilarious Nice puns, we'll head south in search of the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Cinque Terre. Welcome to Cinque Terre, the sexiest collection of fishing villages on the planet. Armed with your rail pass, spend the day absorbing the dramatic beauty of this place, but we suggest you get out for a hike, a food crawl, some vino or all of the above.

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Day 4: Cinque Terre to Florence via Pisa

Have an extra coffee before we make tracks this morning, the extra energy hit will serve you well as we're gallivanting around Italy swooping from one wow moment to another.As if we were going to leg it to Florence without a sneaky side trip to the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Depriving you of the chance to perfect the holding-up-the-tower shot would be down right criminal. We are now nesting under the Tuscan sun in the breathtaking city of Florence. The adventures commence pronto with a tour of the city, a leather craft demo and many sites. Conserve some energy for the evening of Tuscan feasting and disco dancing on offer.

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Day 5: Florence to Sorrento

After farewell-ing Florence this morning we will journey along the boot of Italy until we reach the globally adored town of Sorrento for some blissed out coast hangs. "So so so so in love with Sorrento" are about the only words you'll muster up tonight as you sit seaside watching the sunset in this town of beauty.

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Day 6: Sorrento incl Capri

It simply wouldn't be a trip to Sorrento without a side note to...…the island of Capri! We'll sail over the Tyrrhenian Sea taking in the glorious waters and majestic beauty of coastal Italy. Once on Isle of Capri, you can roam the hillside town of Anacapri, sip too many cups of coffee, and marvel at how the cliffs meet the sea.

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Day 7: Sorrento to Rome via Pompeii

Another glorious Italian day awaits us. Iconic sites and ancient history will keep our jaws at floor level until our heads hit our pillows.After less than an hour gazing lovingly out of our windows at the Amalfi Coast, it will be time for a stop. Here in the ancient city of Pompeii you will have the chance to partake in a guided walking tour taking through Roman city remains. Today's roadtrip beauty is never-ending as we take in the volcanic beauty of Mt. Vesuvius en route to Rome. On arrival in the open time capsule that is Italy's capital, your Trip Manager will get you straight into the sightseeing. The Roman Forum and Colosseum can both be ticked off your list should you be in the mood for a little history.

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Day 8: Rome with Vatican City

You can also choose to uncover the home of the Pope at the Vatican Museums, including Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica; with a Local Guide on your side, no question will go unanswered. Then hit the streets for your own discoveries. Snap pink azaleas by the Colosseum, throw coins in fountains and sip espresso in a pretty street watching Italian life float by.

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Day 9: Rome to Venice via Verona

We have two more pins dropped on the Italian map before we start conquering new countries. And you'll be pleased to know they are both pretty special.In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, a posse of travellers, all alike in excitement, check out the place that inspired Romeo & Juliet, yes, the very same balcony. One for the romantics of the group. We'll also check out the Roman Arena where other love stories were told. Yes, it's as cute as you imagine. Yes, you'll feel like you're part of an Italian fairytale. Yes, you are actually hanging out in the gondola clad floating city of Venice! And tomorrow it is yours to explore...

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Day 10: Venice

Wake-up sleeping beauties! Venice is yours for the entirety of this glorious Italian day. We'll be jumping aboard our own private boat and hitting the canals en route to the historical heart of the city. A guided walking tour and a gondola ride are up for grabs, or you can always choose to get lost on your own and see where the maze takes you.

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Day 11: Venice to Salzburg

That's it for our lengthy stint in Italy. Gelato, pizza, historical monuments, coastlines, gondolas; you have all been wonderful! Onwards and geographically upwards - it's time for the mountain ranges that made the Sound of Music famous. Also home to Mozart, you can be pretty certain this place knows a beat. Today we'll also see the largest preserved fortress in Central Europe - Hohensalzburg - and have the chance to partake in the Sights & Sounds of Salzburg optional. Never a dull moment!

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Day 12: Salzburg to Prague

Austria, you are an overwhelming beauty. Although it would be nice to stay forever, it's time for us to cross the border into the Czech Republic. Here you can opt for a stop at Eagle's Nest for some WWII history and panoramic pics should you feel so inclined. With Prague on the horizon, things are looking mighty fine. Castles and bridges and gothic cathedrals make the city of Prague a surprise and delight. Compact and bursting with atmosphere, use your free time to trot around on foot and see what you stumble upon (hoping to heaven it's the traditional fruit dumpling of ovocné knedlíky).

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Day 13: Prague

With a full day to loiter, expect an entire photo album of Gothic architecture, market antics & you cheers-ing cheap beer; not to mention life!

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Day 14: Prague to Berlin via Dresden

Just remember, with every great city we leave behind, we get a little bit closer to somewhere new to explore. And today that somewhere new happens to be the cultural hub of Berlin. Thanks for everything, Czech!A roadtrip from Prague to Berlin would not be complete without stopping in Dresden. Destroyed by World War II, the rebuilt town is now a symbol of resilience, soaked in the rebirthed beauty of an Opera house, the domed Frauenkirche, & the Royal Residence. Come for a wall covered in art & history, stay for a culture of cool, a smorgasbord of partying & enough unique German flair to leave you desperate to see the rest of the country. Today we will shower you in iconic sites, none more interesting that the remains of the Berlin Wall.

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Day 15: Berlin

Get into the mood of exploration. Berlin has so much to offer the hungry traveller, from the obvious icons like Checkpoint Charlie to all the obscurities tucked away in the side streets. By night this city comes alive, so get into the groove and visit one of the cool backstreet bars or clubs and rub shoulders with the locals, cos that's what travelling is all about, right?

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Day 16: Berlin to Amsterdam

It's time to hit the original fast-track of the autobahn and make our way out of Germany. We have one last city to tick off & it's sure to see us go out with a bang. Whatever eclectic fantasies you have about Amsterdam, the real life version will impress you more. Fire yourself up for pretty canals, a bounty of unique museums & quirky cafes galore.

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Day 17: Amsterdam incl Edam

You know the cheese, and now you're going to know the place that pioneered it. This morning we'll head into the beautiful countryside for a taste of tradition, as we visit a local clog and cheese makers house. It's our last full day on tour & our last night to party up a storm with the squad. Use the day to explore quirky museums & sample the endless array of cuisines this city has on offer. In the mood for Dutch pancakes? Of couse you are. Just as your Trip Manager on the best places to head. For those that can't get enough of those cute canal houses, take to the streets with your phone and get those Insta likes at an all time high. It would be rude not to go large tonight with the squad, starting with an optional dinner of Dutch favourites and a canal cruise with drinks to set the mood.

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Day 18: Amsterdam to London

Get your tissues ready, it's time to say goodbye to your new Contiki family. We'll escort you to Schiphol Airport by about 10am.For those not leaving us until London, we'll travel south through Belgium - cross another country off your list.

This afternoon we cross from France to England and then back to London-town, where you'll be left to start dreaming up your next big adventure.

Snooze in a combination of funky hostels and hotels for 17 nights in same-sex quad-share accommodation

Food

Feast on cuisine from every corner of Europe, with 17 breakfasts and 7 dinners on us. Think exquisite Austrian cakes, mountains of delectable Italian pasta and plates piled high with currywurst

Staff

You'll be safe in the hands of your professional Trip Manager, who knows the streets of Europe better than you know the hairs on your toes. When it comes to transport, an experienced and legendary driver team will be taking the reins; trust us, they're always a hoot